The San Francisco Giants were able to improve their roster in the offseason.
They added Jordan Hicks to their rotation and Jung Hoo Lee, Jorge Soler, and Matt Chapman to their lineup.
The offensive additions, particularly Chapman, made infielder J.D. Davis expendable, so the team waived him.
After no claims, Davis is now a free agent.
“The Giants release J.D. Davis, who was not claimed on waivers, via multiple sources,” FOX Sports: MLB tweeted.
The Giants release J.D. Davis, who was not claimed on waivers, via multiple sources. pic.twitter.com/xBjPw3x5Et
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 11, 2024
When healthy and in a rhythm, Davis can be a productive MLB hitter.
However, he has no real defensive home, and that hurts his value.
It’s, in part at least, one of the reasons he wasn’t claimed via waivers.
He had been playing mostly third base since 2023, but no longer has a starting spot thanks to Chapman’s arrival.
Still, he should have no problem finding another opportunity with an MLB organization, even if it’s a minor league deal with a camp invitation.
The chances of Davis landing an MLB deal, however, are good.
He wasn’t bad last year in the tough environment for hitters in San Francisco.
In 546 plate appearances in 2023 with the Giants, the lefty-masher hit .248/.325/.413 with 18 home runs.
His OPS was a rather disappointing .738, but it could be significantly higher in another place.
He could get a regular gig with a non-contender or a bench or part-time gig with a true competitor, but the market will surely present some options for a hitter like Davis.
His solid career .775 OPS tells the story of an above-average batter.
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